Key Facts

Provided below is a reference to the various drugs available out there (Source: From Grief to Action). This is only a brief (very brief) desciption of each drug, and there are more complexities than listed below. For more information, visit www.ftga.ca.

Alcohol

What it is: a depressant which slows down parts of the brain and nervous system

Effects: reduced concentration; slurred speech; blurred vision; lack of coordination and judgement; increased aggression; possible brain damage; possible overdose/unconsciousness; liver damage; heart/blood disorders; stomach inflammation; impotence; menstrual irregularity

Cannabis (marijuana, weed, pot, dope, grass, ganja, hashish)

What it is: a short name for the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa; what causes the high is the chemical called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

Effects: a feeling of well-being and lethargy; tendency to talk and laugh more; reddening of the eyes; impaired coordination; reduced concentration; lack of perception of time, sound, and colour; feelings of excitement, anxiety, paranoia, and confusion

Cocaine (cocaine hydrochloride, coke, blow, snow, flake)

What it is: a central nervous system stimulant, derived from leaves of coco plants; floods the brain with dopamine, a natural occuring neurotransmitter

Effects: feeling of euphoria and wellbeing; increased alertness and energy; increased confidence; reduced appetite; increased heart rate and body temperature; enlarged pupils; increased aggressive behaviour; inability to judge risks; headaches; dizziness; restlessness; loss of concentration; lack of motivation; heart pain; heart attack; nose bleeds; cocaine psychosis (hyperactivity, delusions)

Ecstasy (MDMA-MetheleneDioxyMethAmphetamine, XTC, MDM, E, X)

What it is: a synthetic drug that stimulates the central nervous system, often sold  in tablet or powder form

Effects: increased feelings of self-confidence and well being; rise in blood pressure and body temperature; increased pulse rate; jaw clenching; teeth grinding; sweating; dehydration; nausea; anxiety; hallucinations; irrational behaviour; vomitting; convulsions; loss of appetite, insomnia, depression, muscle aches, loss of concentration

Heroin (smack, horse, dope, rocks, shit, down, gear)

What it is: a central nervous system depressant which comes from the opium poppy; usually comes in powder form

Effects: dull perceptions of pain and fear; slow breathing; reduced body temperature; nausea; vommitting; itching; constipation; damaged veins, heart and lungs; irregular menstruation; infertility; impotence

Inhalants (glues, aerosols, liquid paper thinners, butane gas, nitrous oxide, gasoline)

What it is: solvents that depress the central nervous system

Effects: feelings of excitement and relaxation; loss of coordination; disorientation; increased fear; blackouts; mild hallucinations

Methadone

What it is: a depressant drug that slows brain or central nervous system activity; does not produce a high, but used to help stabilize those who are dependent on heroin-like opiates

Effects: sweating; constipation; lowered sex drive; aching muscles and joints; itchy skin; suppression of appetite; stomach pain; nausea; vommitting

Methamphetamine (meth, crystal, jib, speed, ice, crank, glass, tweak, sketch, tina, yaba, shabu)

What it is: a synthetic central nervous system stimulant, usually sold in forms of tablets, capsules, chunks, powders, crystals, and glass shards

Effects: there are many effects of meth, which could not all be listed here, but some effects are irritability; tooth grinding; insomnia; restlessness; anxiety; panic; headache; jaw clenching; decreased fatigue; extreme weightloss; seizures; respiratory depression; convulsions; kidney and heart failure; confusion; paranoia; violence; memory loss

Psychedelics (hallucinogens such as magic mushrooms, peyote cactus, LSD/acid)

What it is: a group of drugs that can change a person’s perception, which makes them see or hear things that do not exist

Effects: changes in thought, sense of time and mood; anxiety; fear; loss of control; inability to concentrate; abnormally rapid heart beat; raised blood pressure; depression; psychosis